Category: Home & Family

Tips for Adding a Deck to Your Home

You might be wondering how to build a deck on your home? Building a deck for the first time can be a daunting task for most homeowners. But it doesn’t have to be. With some basic skills, you can build a deck that looks like it was professionally with modular decking components, right down to the details. This article will give you the information you need to learn how to build a deck on your home.

Start With the Foundation

If you’re wondering how to build a deck on your home, you have to start with a solid foundation. While this sounds like a scary word, it’s important for you to remember that you’re working on your deck in the open and any issues that arise will be visible to everyone in the yard. So a solid foundation is vital. To make sure your deck has a solid base to stand on, consider using concrete or stone as a base.

Once you’ve got your base established, it’s time to start learning how to build a deck on your home. The type of deck you build depends on what you have available space for, and what design you want your deck to look like. However, all decks require a basic level of construction know-how.

Get a Few Opinions

When learning how to build a deck on your home, keep in mind that it’s better to get a few opinions than to blindly follow a plan. Your deck builder may have great recommendations, but if they’re not backed up by a professional engineer, architect, or building contractor, you could end up with a costly mistake. So get ideas from different sources and don’t rely on just one or two sources. Also, consider the cost of materials when deciding how to build a deck on your home. If you find yourself with extra money to spend, go for a more lavish deck, but don’t skimp on materials.

Consider the Location

Once you’ve decided how to build a deck on your home and have all the required materials, your next consideration is the location of your deck. Once again, it’s best to consult various sources for information before taking any major action. For instance, if you want to build a deck that faces south, you’d better check out the local NIDOC guidelines and ordinances. Then again, if you decide how to build a deck on your home, you probably already have a place in mind because you live where that exists. Once you have your location and permission, you can begin to get started on learning how to build a deck on your home.

Questions To Ask Yourself When Furnishing Your Home Office

Working from home can be one of the great pleasures of life, and how you set up your home office can go a long way toward making it so. Here are a few key questions to ask yourself. 

What Kind of Desk Do I Want?

Considering how much time you spend at your desk, it makes sense to invest a little time in thinking about exactly what kind you would love to have. Your ideal configuration may even include having more than one desk or one that adjusts from sitting to standing mode. Consider your workflow and how your physical workspace can aid or hinder that. The appearance of your desk may be of prime importance to you, especially since it’s part of your home; perhaps you want a beautiful wooden one or a sleek high-tech look. If your office is small, you will want to explore the possibilities of work surfaces with built-in storage, such as a credenza desk. Remember, even if the desk of your dreams seems out of reach financially, it probably isn’t — you will be amazed what you can find when shopping for pre owned desks. Many beautiful and perfect pieces of office furniture are available at a small fraction of the cost of new.

Where Can I Focus on My Work?

Ideally, you’ll probably want your home office to have a door you can close so that you can work without distraction, but if that’s not possible, look for a place that isn’t in your home’s traffic pattern. You may be able to reclaim unused space in your home and still have an office that feels private and comfortable. The same kinds of screens and partitions that make working in a corporate office possible with minimal distractions can also improve your home office — except maybe you’d prefer them in neon green and decorated your way, which will be just fine. You’re the boss. 

How Can I Maximize Space?

Fitting your work life into one room or alcove calls for efficient organizing of the area you have at your command. Even if you have only a little space, inspired solutions are easy. Shelves are an obvious choice for making use of wall space that would otherwise be wasted. Floor-to-ceiling shelving will transform an office’s functioning with little loss of square footage. You can also put corkboards and whiteboards on walls to help limit and organize clutter.

It’s worth taking the time to ask yourself what you really want in a home office. Your professional life merits a workspace where you can do your best and enjoy doing it.